The MediaCoach

Hi John,

So it goes on. I'm not going to get into political debate here (you can find my opinions on Facebook if you wish), but I'm finding the communication aspects of both the new US President and Brexit to be both fascinating and unprecedented. The style of political speeches seems to be changing, and not necessarily for the better. Nonetheless, there are still some genuine orators around, so maybe there's hope for those of us who like carefully considered rhetoric.

I'm currently working on my next book, which is all about reputation of both corporates and high-profile individuals. If you have a story to tell in that regard, or know someone who has, feel free to get in touch.

Peter James Millson is a superb musician who has featured in my web radio show many times. His latest album, produced by the amazing Boo Hewerdine, has been recorded entirely on an iPhone. There's currently a fundraiser to master and create the CD. Hear all about it in the Media Coach Radio Show. No surprise that this week's music is a sneak preview of one of the track's from Peter's album.
Go to the iTunes Archive of the MediaCoach Show
Follow me on Twitter

MediaMaster and Radio 2 presenter Desmond Carrington has passed away at the age of 90 after a career in broadcasting that spanned eight decades. His Friday night Radio 2 series The Music Goes Round aired for a grand total of 36 years before he signed off the show in late 2016 due to ill health.On 28th October 2016, he opened his final show with the same song that had kicked off the programme back in 1981 - Up, Up and Away by the Johnny Mann Singers. He closed with Mel Tormé's That's All, signing off with his trademark phrase, "Bye, just now.". Bye, Desmond.

Over to the Netherlands for the MediaMugs of the week. It's a group of biologists who have created what's been called a "Tinder for orangutans' (I'm not making this up). Orangutans and bonobos at the Apenheul Primate Park near the central town of Apeldoorn are shown pictures of other apes, and researchers evaluate their responses - from neutral to aggressive, the park said. The apes can push a button on the screen to signal a potential mate, which is then flown in from another zoo. But the study had to be suspended for the orangutans, after Samboja, a young female, destroyed a tablet showing potential suitors. Whoops. Back to the drawing board.

DON'T EAT THE SANDWICH

There's an old adage about speaking: Tell them what you are going to tell them, then tell them, then tell them what you told them. It's so often used in business presentations, it's sometimes known as the "business sandwich" Some years ago, I used to advocate it as the way a speech should be structured. I don't believe it now, and I say it is time to dump the sandwich.

Whoever came up with the structure in the first place was probably not a storyteller. That's not the way that stories work. Stories are about entertainment, interest and powerful messages that make an impact. Those are all the characteristics of great speeches too.

So what do I recommend as a structure? Here's my take on speeches:

It sounds simple, because it is. It's not boring, because it mustn't be. One more thing. Every speech should have an unforgettable phrase, moment or story. That's what people take away, regardless of the structure.

WORK YOUR BODY

There's a tired old rumour that communication is mostly body language. It isn't. But how you behave on TV is still important. Here are some tips.

Posture. Your posture can make you appear relaxed and interested, or ill-at-ease and hostile. Very often, TV interviews will be conducted across a desk. This immediately places a barrier between you and the interviewer, which makes it more difficult to have a friendly interaction. If you are leaning back in your chair, arms folded and looking down your nose at your interviewer, it is pretty obvious how you feel. On the other hand, if you are leaning forward, hands clasped together on the desk in front of you, listening intently, you create a completely different image. Whatever you feel about the questions being asked, your posture should indicate interest, since you want your response to be listened to. Polite attention is the image you should aim for.

Hands. There is no need to sit on your hands when you appear on TV. Natural hand gestures are fine, provided you remember a few guidelines. Many of us were told, as children "it is rude to point". That rule still applies. Pointing at an interviewer or debating opponent is an aggressive gesture, as is making a chopping motion with one hand into the other palm. A closed fist is a very clear symbol of your discontent. On TV, keep your hand gestures within the frame formed by your shoulders, sides and waist; otherwise they may disappear outside the picture, which looks very odd. Keep your palms upward to convey openness. A gesture which many politicians are taught to use is the "steeple", with the fingers pointing upwards, fingertips together and palms apart. It conveys confidence, but don't overdo it, or it will look false.

Eyes. Eye contact is very important. You should try to make eye contact with your interviewer the whole time. If you find this a little disconcerting, you can try focusing on the tip of their nose, or just above their eyebrows. No-one will notice. Don't be too put off if your interviewer seems distracted, and looks away while you are answering. It is likely that they will be listening to the voice of their producer (and possibly several other advisors) in their earpiece. It's nothing personal. If you are taking part in a down-the-line interview then eye contact is critical. However, there is no-one to look at, simply a camera lens. Whether you find this easier or more difficult is a matter of personal taste, but it is a media skill that you need to master.

HOW TO TWEET ABOUT AN EVENT

1. Announce you will be attending, and post the event hashtag Generate some buzz around the event before it takes place - make connections, and get into conversations with people you will meet there in person. Become someone who people already know when they arrive.

2. Use the Twitter Moments feature to curate the event story. Not everyone knows about Twitter Moments, but the feature, which allows you to tell a story in tweets, pictures and video, is immensely useful.

3. Use the Twitter handles of the participants People love to be mentioned. Find out the Twitter details of any speakers, and mention them online (be nice). If you meet someone and connect with them, make a note of it online too.

4. Post pictures, video and audio via Twitter It's not just abut text. It's about giving an impression of the look and sound of the event as well.
5. Follow up with a blog When you have returned home, use your social messages as the basis of a blog which summarises your experience.

Those Bad Lip Reading guys are at it again, just in time for the Super Bowl.

You will win more pitches.

The information in this ezine may be freely re-used in any online or offline publication, provided it is accompanied by the following credit line - "This information was written by Alan Stevens, and originally appeared in "The MediaCoach", his free weekly ezine, available at www.mediacoach.co.uk."